Thicker than other hair styling products, hair wax is a pliable, wax-based styling product used to sculpt and control shorter hairstyles. It has a flexible consistency that doesn’t dry out as quickly as hair gel products. Hair waxes come in many varieties including creams, gels, and sprays, with some enhancing curls while others condition and moisturize. They can also provide a natural sheen or impart a matte or satin-matte finish to your hair. But, as with any grooming product, you should choose a hair wax based on your specific hair type and preferred styling needs.
Things to Consider in the Best Hair Wax
To give you the best results and be worth your money, there are a few factors you need to keep in mind while shopping for the best hair wax. Here are the top three:
Flexibility
A hair wax should never make strands crispy or stiff after application. After you create a hairstyle, a quality hair wax leaves hair soft, pliable, and natural-feeling. In fact, you should have the ability to remold and even comb through your hair anytime after the wax has set. A quality hair wax allows hair to preserve its natural texture and movement, all while holding your desired style in place.
Lightweight
Although most hair waxes are relatively thick styling products, they should feel natural and light in your hair. Some hair waxes such as spray waxes are heavier than others, but even gel and paste waxes can provide a lightweight hold that won’t leave hair feeling weighed down. Lighter waxes provide the ability to create spikes, tousled looks, and other funky hairstyles.
Lasting hold
A hair wax’s hold is another important factor to consider as it largely determines the product’s quality level. With high-quality hair waxes, a small amount of product has the ability to distribute evenly through hair and provide a hold that lasts throughout the day. Some hair waxes deliver a strong hold, while some waxes (spray hair waxes for example) are formulated for lighter, more natural holds. Regardless of the hold level, a hair wax should keep a hairstyle secure for at least 8 to 12 hours.
Types of Hair Wax
When it comes to hair wax, there are so many options. Browsing through the many types can be exhausting, but here's a quick breakdown of the types of hair wax you'll find. Each has its pros and cons, and some may be more suitable for certain hairstyles or preferences than others.
Overall hair wax
An overall quality hair wax is a flexible, resilient styling paste that performs many functions including controlling, sculpting, and protecting hair. It should have a lightweight texture that never leaves hair strands stiff, sticky, or greasy. The best overall hair waxes also go above and beyond by softening and moisturizing hair, leaving it resistant to the negative effects of humidity.
Drugstore hair wax
You don’t need to spend extra money on a salon hair wax to experience quality results. Drugstores also carry high-performance waxes which deliver strong, flexible holds while enhancing curls, controlling frizz, and providing texture to hair. The best drugstore hair waxes won’t make hair greasy or dry it out and work very well for being a budget-friendly choice.
Gel hair wax
Gel-based hair waxes typically provide a medium to firm hold while allowing you to create pliable styles. You can apply gel hair wax to either damp or dry hair, and they often impart a shiny finish. The best gel hair waxes provide a lightweight, natural hold while leaving hair soft and flexible.
Spray hair wax
Spray wax is a more lightweight and convenient alternative to traditional hair waxes, which are sometimes messy to use. This kind of hair wax provides a light to medium, natural-feeling hold. The best spray hair waxes provide natural texture, body, and definition without feeling sticky or hard.
Cream hair wax
Cream-based hair waxes allow you to shape and control your style without making your hair stiff. They are often lightweight to create effortless texture and definition while imparting a strong, long-lasting hold. The best cream waxes leave hair feeling soft and natural as well.